Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Discussion
Since this car is the subject of this week's "Shed of the week" article, I thought I'd post a few words in its defence!
I've had one for a while now, and it's surprised me a lot.
Bought because it had a full MOT and was attractively priced, the car impressed on the initial test drive, and the seller seemed a decent, straightforward guy who was happy to allow an extended test drive., so seemed to have nothing to hide.
It was the very impressive test drive that made me overcome my reservations caused by the usual Alfa reputation, along with the comprehensive history with it.
if your looking for a mid sized hatchback, I'd recommend considering one. Firstly, it gets lots of appreciative comments, and there's no doubt that in a world of bland SUV's, the handsome lines stand out as unique. There was lots of criticism about the alleged "cheap" interior, but honestly - not one passenger has ever complained. Instead they comment on the style, and while there may be less slush mouldings than a VW, that means the finishes are more hard wearing - my interior is as good as new, with no rattles. The car is slightly smaller on the road than some rivals, but in practice I've had no problems carrying passengers. Some have commented on how unusual comfortably shaped the rear seat is. I find the driving position offers plenty of adjustment and is very comfortable (I'm over 6ft).
The boot is about the same size as the Asra H I had, fine in every day use. Build quality is good, with very nice paint finish.
The cars drives very nicely indeed, confident handling, (you can really hussle it around and go for a drive just for the joy of it) and the best electric power steering I've come across. Many reports of hard ride, which I'm not a lover of, but I think that's likely to be more of an issue on the bigger wheeled, sports versions - mine is a Lusso on 16 inch wheels, which is just about on the right side of firm but comfortable enough. Road noise was criticized and I'd agree with that to a degree, but again, unless you are constantly swapping between other, slightly more refined cars cars, it's not really an issue.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the diesel engine. This engine has made me a believer in diesel again. Not amazingly fast 0-60, only 105bhp, but 300nm of torque - it just surges along on a wave of torque, easily keeping up with traffic, and effortless (and quiet) on a motorway cruise. On top of that, an easy 50mpg and £35 per annum RFL. Result!
The other outstanding feature is the hill-holder clutch, an very clever and useful feature. And Lusso trim means lots of goodies - my favorite is the self dimming rear view mirror, a very cool feature at night.
Also, I've found insurance very cheap indeed, another bonus.
Negatives? I'm not a fan of the brakes, but that could just be this particular car. Gear change isn't wonderful, but then this car has done 175000 miles, so I'll allow for age.
Reliability has been faultless.
Overall, I'd recommend having a look if you come across one, and seeing if meets your needs. It is a very capable, well rounded car with a good spread of abilities, with a dash of style sprinkled in the mix. I don't usually have the same car twice, but I'd definitely consider another one of these. A very surprising and enjoyable car - anyone else on here got one?
I've had one for a while now, and it's surprised me a lot.
Bought because it had a full MOT and was attractively priced, the car impressed on the initial test drive, and the seller seemed a decent, straightforward guy who was happy to allow an extended test drive., so seemed to have nothing to hide.
It was the very impressive test drive that made me overcome my reservations caused by the usual Alfa reputation, along with the comprehensive history with it.
if your looking for a mid sized hatchback, I'd recommend considering one. Firstly, it gets lots of appreciative comments, and there's no doubt that in a world of bland SUV's, the handsome lines stand out as unique. There was lots of criticism about the alleged "cheap" interior, but honestly - not one passenger has ever complained. Instead they comment on the style, and while there may be less slush mouldings than a VW, that means the finishes are more hard wearing - my interior is as good as new, with no rattles. The car is slightly smaller on the road than some rivals, but in practice I've had no problems carrying passengers. Some have commented on how unusual comfortably shaped the rear seat is. I find the driving position offers plenty of adjustment and is very comfortable (I'm over 6ft).
The boot is about the same size as the Asra H I had, fine in every day use. Build quality is good, with very nice paint finish.
The cars drives very nicely indeed, confident handling, (you can really hussle it around and go for a drive just for the joy of it) and the best electric power steering I've come across. Many reports of hard ride, which I'm not a lover of, but I think that's likely to be more of an issue on the bigger wheeled, sports versions - mine is a Lusso on 16 inch wheels, which is just about on the right side of firm but comfortable enough. Road noise was criticized and I'd agree with that to a degree, but again, unless you are constantly swapping between other, slightly more refined cars cars, it's not really an issue.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the diesel engine. This engine has made me a believer in diesel again. Not amazingly fast 0-60, only 105bhp, but 300nm of torque - it just surges along on a wave of torque, easily keeping up with traffic, and effortless (and quiet) on a motorway cruise. On top of that, an easy 50mpg and £35 per annum RFL. Result!
The other outstanding feature is the hill-holder clutch, an very clever and useful feature. And Lusso trim means lots of goodies - my favorite is the self dimming rear view mirror, a very cool feature at night.
Also, I've found insurance very cheap indeed, another bonus.
Negatives? I'm not a fan of the brakes, but that could just be this particular car. Gear change isn't wonderful, but then this car has done 175000 miles, so I'll allow for age.
Reliability has been faultless.
Overall, I'd recommend having a look if you come across one, and seeing if meets your needs. It is a very capable, well rounded car with a good spread of abilities, with a dash of style sprinkled in the mix. I don't usually have the same car twice, but I'd definitely consider another one of these. A very surprising and enjoyable car - anyone else on here got one?
Oh yeah, pictures - you've all been sitting on the edge of your seats waiting for them...
The car ploughs on with alarming reliability for a supposedly unreliable marque.
It's a bit grubby just now...
![](https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/554527/202511033605888?resize=720[/img]</a> <a href="https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/554527/202511033787207" Target="_blank" >[img]https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/554527/202511033787207?resize=720)
The car ploughs on with alarming reliability for a supposedly unreliable marque.
It's a bit grubby just now...
Edited by SirGriffin on Monday 3rd November 01:03
Edited by SirGriffin on Monday 3rd November 01:05
I test drove a 1.75 cloverleaf before I bought my 308 gti and I was really impressed. Nicely put together, good steering, good seats, great brakes, and all the ones I saw were real enthusiast cars, with wedges of history. A re-map and an LSD at autolusso wouldn't have been a massive amount either.
But there wasn't enough room in the back, and the boot wasn't great.
But there wasn't enough room in the back, and the boot wasn't great.
Our family car is a Giulietta - it has the worst brakes of any car I've ever driven. It took a long time to adapt to their extremely light touch, squidginess at the top of the pedal, and snatchiness before the pedal even goes firm. I even put ceramic pads and new rotors on it, which are supposed to have less bite, but they didn't make any difference (although the lack of brake dust is nice). In the end you just adapt and start braking very cautiously everywhere as you step gently into the pedal's response, plus learn to pause between throttle and brake to avoid triggering the brake pre-fill, which completely and randomly changes the brake feel.
On the plus side, once you've got the hang of the brake response, the pedals are positioned very nicely for heel n' toe.
I'd actually be interested to drive a Cloverleaf - they have Brembo brakes that might have better feel than the standard ones.
Has the top of the gearknob come off in your hand yet?
On the plus side, once you've got the hang of the brake response, the pedals are positioned very nicely for heel n' toe.
I'd actually be interested to drive a Cloverleaf - they have Brembo brakes that might have better feel than the standard ones.
Has the top of the gearknob come off in your hand yet?
Edited by NDNDNDND on Monday 3rd November 07:59
Ah, the gear nob, I forgot about that - no, it didn't come off, but when I got the car the finish was peeling and threatened to lacerate my hand! A replacement from eBay sorted that for a few pounds.
Forgot to mention the car has voice control, works well with the phone for calls.
Some service/maintenance work required now, just need to find the time!
Forgot to mention the car has voice control, works well with the phone for calls.
Some service/maintenance work required now, just need to find the time!
NDNDNDND said:
Our family car is a Giulietta - it has the worst brakes of any car I've ever driven. It took a long time to adapt to their extremely light touch, squidginess at the top of the pedal, and snatchiness before the pedal even goes firm. I even put ceramic pads and new rotors on it, which are supposed to have less bite, but they didn't make any difference (although the lack of brake dust is nice). In the end you just adapt and start braking very cautiously everywhere as you step gently into the pedal's response, plus learn to pause between throttle and brake to avoid triggering the brake pre-fill, which completely and randomly changes the brake feel.
On the plus side, once you've got the hang of the brake response, the pedals are positioned very nicely for heel n' toe.
I'd actually be interested to drive a Cloverleaf - they have Brembo brakes that might have better feel than the standard ones.
Has the top of the gearknob come off in your hand yet?
Interesting, we've had our 1.4 170 for about 3 years now and had a MiTo for 8 years before that, and we never noticed anything particularly unusual about the brakes. They just seem to work much the same as most other cars I drive. On the plus side, once you've got the hang of the brake response, the pedals are positioned very nicely for heel n' toe.
I'd actually be interested to drive a Cloverleaf - they have Brembo brakes that might have better feel than the standard ones.
Has the top of the gearknob come off in your hand yet?
Edited by NDNDNDND on Monday 3rd November 07:59
What I have noticed is that the rear wiper has a mind of its own
. It comes on whenever I start the car, put in 1st gear or reverse. Like an excited dog wagging it's tail Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff